Drinks : Wines

And by "big", we mean spending $4.01 more than us.

The New York Times has wines for $10 or less? We've got got vivacious vino for $5.99 or less. How ya like THEM grapes, Mr. Asimov?


Best Wines For $5.99 (Or Less)

Special to AOL Food from Women & Wine

Women & Wine suggests you avoid the usual Mother's Day restaurant gridlock and instead treat mom to a home-cooked (or, okay, who's gonna tell?, gourmet take-out) meal. Here are a selection of wines that will enhance the food-and please your honored guest. Email winefind@womenwine.com and we will help you find one near you.

Le Rime 2005

If she's a fan of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, surprise mom with this refreshing blend of the two varietals grown on the Banfi hillside estate in Tuscany. Pale straw in color, aromatic and fruity, this Italian white pairs well with everything from eggs Benedict to pasta primavera. (approximately $11).

Greg Norman Pinot Noir 2005

Australian golf great Greg Norman has wine estates in California's Santa Barbara County as well as Down Under. His "Sideways Country" Barbara Pinot Noir offers distinctive cherry and strawberry aromas, powerful fruit flavors and a smooth finish. Throw some chicken or steak on the barbie and you're set. (approx $13)

Centine 2005

An affordable Italian Super Tuscan that's youthful, well balanced and memorable (like mom!) made with a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. If she's a roast chicken or pasta fan, Centine is the red to remember. (approx. $11)

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé NV

Who can resist a sparkler that's the color of pink rose petals? Especially one that delivers delicate toasty scents, hints of chocolate and caramel and rich berry flavors. On top of that, for a real-deal bubbly from Champagne, , the price is right. (approximately $45)

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005
If mom is stuck in Chardonnay land, start her on a path to Sauvignon Blanc with one of the best. From New Zealand, where the Sauvignon Blancs sing of grass, gooseberries, lychees and other good things, this perennial prize-winner bursts with racy aromas and flavors. (around $30)

Special to AOL Food from Kat Kinsman

Mick and Keith probably had something a little stronger than brunch cocktails on the brain when they wrote Mother's Little Helper. Even so, they might think twice before turning down a glass of this sparkling, sophisticated pick-me-up. It's full of luscious, fruity, herbal flavor, kicked up by festive Prosecco bubbles – a refreshing treat for a Mother's Day brunch, or an easy-to-make afternoon tipple (we'll never tell!).

Pour equal parts chilled Lillet Rouge (a classic Bordeaux, herb, Armagnac and fruit based French apéritif) and dry Prosecco (Italy's affordable answer to Champagne) into an ice-filled goblet. Squeeze and drop an orange wedge into the goblet, and garnish with an additional orange wheel.

For a crowd, stir equal amounts of chilled Lillet Rouge and dry Prosecco, and one quartered orange in a pitcher. Pour into ice-filled goblets, garnished with orange wheels.

Special To AOL Food From Women & Wine

Women & Wine loves rosé wines for late spring and summer. Made with red wine grapes fermented on the skins for only a short time, they exhibit red-wine flavors with a light, white-wine personality. Serve chilled with seafood, strawberries and barbecue. E-mail winefind@womenwine.com and we will help you find one near you.

Centine Rosé 2005
A carnation-pink charmer from made with a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Savor its demurely floral aromas, wild berry flavors and lingering finish. Bring on the cold pasta salad. (approx. $10)

Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé Coeur de Grain 2005
The romance of Provence in a curvy Provençal bottle: More expensive than your everyday rosé, this harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault, from a respected French vintner, delivers apricot and grapefruit flavors with a bit of spice. Yummy with marinated salmon, sweet-and-sour pork, or scallops (approx. $36)

Fiddlehead Rosé 'Pink Fiddle' 2006 Santa Rita Hills
A rosé with attitude: From one of our favorite vineyards in Santa Barbara's "Sideways" country, Kathy Joseph's rosé is made with hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes. The color of a California sunset, this lively, fruit-forward wine is perfect for lazy brunches or a day at the beach. (approx. $16)

Muga Rosé Spain 2006 Rioja
This salmon-pink beauty, a blend of Grenache and (only-in-Spain) Macabeo and Temprani grapes delivers tropical fruit aromas and flavors, a whisper of acidity and a long, honeyed finish. Perfect with paella, salad or chips and dip: Olé! (approx. $12)

2005 SoloRosa Rosé
From the one California winery that produces only rosé wines. A blend of Napa Sangiovese and Merlot, SoloRosa is bone dry, brimming with cherry and berry flavors and tempered by a zippy acidity and a hint of toastiness. Good with everything from Mexican to Moroccan (approx. $15)